Biden’s Bold Endeavor: Curbing Terrorism in Israel-Hamas Conflict

The Importance of Biden‘s Mission to Stop Terrorism

**

In a historic move, President Joe Biden travelled to Tel Aviv to address the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. This visit is consequential, as it signifies the importance that the United States places on curbing terrorism and preventing the situation from escalating into a regional war. Biden‘s mission is to not only ensure Israel‘s security but also to urge restraint and avoid the mistakes that America made in its post-9/11 response.

**

Supporting Israel‘s Security and Confronting Hamas

**

President Biden‘s presence in Tel Aviv is a clear indication that the United States stands firmly behind Israel in its fight against Hamas. Given the aim of Hamas to destroy Israel rather than negotiate, it is vital that America lends its support and detains Iran from opening multiple fronts against Israel. This support is crucial for maintaining the fragile balance that emerged after the war of 1973, which fostered thawed relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

**

A Call for Restraint and Minimizing Casualties

**

While backing Israel‘s actions, it is essential that assurances are given by Israel to avoid unnecessary casualties and to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire. President Biden rightly urged Israelis to learn from America’s post-9/11 mistakes driven by “all-consuming rage” that led to wider conflicts. The suffering of Palestinian civilians cannot be ignored, and ways must be found to minimize their hardships.

**

The Challenges Ahead

**

The task of destroying Hamas and its extensive arsenal and tunnel networks while minimizing casualties among Gaza’s residents is no small feat. Even for the well-trained Israeli forces, this will be an arduous challenge. In recent years, Hamas had focused more on governance and political legitimacy, but its recent shift back to its jihadist roots has triggered the worst attacks on Israeli soil since 1947.

**

Factors Contributing to Escalation

**

Several factors have contributed to the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The absence of US diplomatic efforts in Palestine, neglect of Palestinian moderates, and the focus on Russia and China have created a void that disruptive Iran is keen to exploit. Additionally, Israel‘s normalization with Saudi Arabia has further complicated the regional dynamics. The fear among global capitals is that the situation could worsen, giving Iran more influence in the Middle East.

**

The Role of Iran and its Proxies

**

While it is unlikely that Iran will risk an all-out confrontation with Israel in Lebanon or Syria, an Israeli ground assault on Hamas poses a direct threat to the network of paramilitaries and proxies that Iran has built. In response, Iran’s proxies may escalate terror attacks on Jewish targets outside of Israel. Hamas and its backers in Iran are determined to settle the Palestinian conflict through terror and destruction, rather than negotiations and compromises with moderate Palestinian groups and Arab states.

**

Moving Towards a Long-Term Peace

**

In the interest of all parties involved, it is crucial to cripple Hamas and sideline its ideology. However, Israel must navigate this challenge without alienating the moderates and neighboring states that are necessary for a long-term settlement. This will require significant effort and bandwidth that has been lacking in recent years.

**

The Need for a Longer-Term Peace Search

**

The Middle East has once again been reminded of the destabilizing nature of terrorism. Once the immediate threat has been dealt with, it is imperative for Washington to follow through on President Biden‘s visit and place a longer-term peace search back on its agenda. A comprehensive and inclusive approach that considers the interests of all parties involved is necessary to achieve lasting peace in the region.

**

Conclusion

**

President Biden‘s mission to stop terrorism from metastasizing into a regional war is of utmost importance. It is commendable that he has taken a hands-on approach to address the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The situation is complex, with a delicate balance between supporting Israel‘s security and minimizing casualties among Palestinian civilians. The challenges ahead are significant, but with the right strategy and concerted efforts, a long-term peace can still be achieved. It is essential for all stakeholders to prioritize diplomacy and negotiation over violence and destruction, ultimately leading to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.